The proposal for talks between political rivals Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the incumbent ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has yet to materialize, and the government has issued a warning against elements involved in conducting an “anti-state campaign” on social media. Barrister Aqeel Malik, the federal government’s spokesperson on legal affairs, emphasized that the state would take action against individuals attempting to harm Pakistan’s relations with friendly countries through anti-state campaigns.
During a press conference to address the media on the PTI’s alleged anti-state activities abroad, Barrister Malik urged the PTI to cease its “anti-state activities and propaganda” and engage in dialogue with the government on political issues to seek solutions rather than jeopardizing the nation’s interests on the global stage.
Barrister Malik highlighted concerns over PTI’s alleged anti-Pakistan legislation being promoted in foreign countries, stating that Pakistan does not succumb to external pressures and seeks friendly relations with all nations. He claimed that the PTI’s activities had led to a concentrated smear campaign against Pakistan in foreign countries following the 2022 vote of no confidence, alleging that the PTI had employed lobbyists and PR firms to advance an anti-Pakistan campaign abroad.
Furthermore, Barrister Malik attributed Resolution number 901, tabled in the US Congress in November 2023, to PTI, asserting that all anti-Pakistan legislation was instigated by the party and its overseas Pakistani diaspora. He also noted letters written by US congressmen to the US Secretary of Defence and the US Secretary of State urging actions against Pakistan, which he attributed to PTI.
The spokesperson condemned PTI’s alleged malicious campaign against Pakistan, accusing the party of collaborating with overseas elements and country adversaries to push an anti-Pakistan narrative. Barrister Malik stressed that the state and government of Pakistan were fully cognizant of the campaign and its actors, expressing zero tolerance for any anti-state agenda and narrative.
In a direct message to the PTI, Barrister Malik asserted that no political party stood above Pakistan and reaffirmed that no anti-state agenda or narrative would be tolerated. He urged the PTI to prioritize the country’s interests over its political motives and cautioned against becoming a source of embarrassment for Pakistan at international forums.
